Think instead of how Vincent's passing has been marked by those who cared about him, rather than those who should have, could have and didn't. I can think of nothing - NOTHING - sadder than to leave this world unnoticed and unmourned. His final days were spent with people who truly cared for him and about him and who would have done anything to ease his suffering. To me that is family, despite any accidents of birth. Vincent was very lucky to have all of you as his family at the end of days.
I am so thankful that our God sets things right, that there is a place called heaven, and that suffering does in fact have an end... but I do hate that emptiness left when a person dies, and a soul leaves just a hollow body in its place.
he is HOME! again, this was one that my kids couldn't fully grasp. they pray for him as "the boy whose family didn't want him just because he got sick". but now, he's no longer sick, nor homeless, nor Fatherless. what a reception of friends await us in heaven, no?!
I Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Christ has prepared the way! Blessed be his holy name. HIs resurrection proved he had conquered death and hell. He has fully carried our sins and the punishment due for them. Before His throne there is no race or ethnicity. We are all His bride, bought with a price. Glory be to His holy name.